First and foremost is the condition of Bernier, expected to be the No. 1 netminder. Bernier missed practice Friday, but is expected back Saturday. The new goaltending equipment is causing him aggravation and forced him out of Thursday night’s exhibition game.

“Bernier has an irritation on his knee from some new equipment he’s wearing, part and parcel to the equipment change,” said Leafs coach Randy Carlyle. “I guess the under-kneepads are new and they irritated the top of his knee cap. It’s what we’re dealing with.

“I really haven’t got a true explanation of why or how that happened. We’re doing what’s necessary to fix it.”

Kadri, meanwhile, was back on the ice a day after missing the end of the game against Ottawa when he blocked a shot with his hand.

“It’s a little sore, a little sensitive,” said Kadri. “It’s my bottom hand on my stick, where I’m leaning on it the most.”

Orr, recovering from a leg bruise, continued to work out on his own. Meanwhile, Lupul, who missed the first part of training camp with back spasms, practised full out and could play Saturday in Buffalo.

“He looked good out there,” Carlyle said of Lupul. “He didn’t leave (practice) early, so I would say he’s progressing. He’s an option for us starting (Saturday) night.”

More on thestar.com

We value respectful and thoughtful discussion. Readers are encouraged to flag comments that fail to meet the standards outlined in our
Community Code of Conduct.
For further information, including our legal guidelines, please see our full website
Terms and Conditions.